March | Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
Grey willow flowers

What to see in March

Grey willow flowers

Chiffchaffs may have overwintered and will be singing on sunny days. The first summer migrants that are usually noted by mid-month are Wheatear, Sand Martin and Sandwich tern. Garganey, Common Tern, Yellow Wagtail, Willow Warbler and Sedge Warbler may arrive by the month’s end.

Overwintering Chiffchaff and Cettis Warbler will be singing on sunny days. The first summer migrants are usually seen by mid-month: Chiffchaff, Wheatear, Sand Martin and Sandwich Tern. By the month’s end Garganey, Common Tern, Yellow Wagtail, Willow Warbler and Sedge Warbler will arrive.

Despite the short days some birds will start their breeding season – Ringed Plovers and Oystercatchers will be displaying on the beach, Avocets in the saltmarsh, Great Crested Grebes will be going through their elaborate courtship on the pits and the Cormorants will be nesting at Castle Water. At the beach reserve there will be hundreds of Black-headed Gulls (with their dark brown hoods) and Sandwich Terns prospecting on the islands of the saline lagoons. Look and listen out for the Mediterranean Gull with their truly black heads and cat like call. The winter ducks will be paired up and displaying in their bright plumage, look for Wigeon, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Teal, and Pintail.

Hundreds of wading birds such as Oystercatcher and Dunlin feed along the shore and congregate to roost on the shingle at high tide. This is also the best month to see huge numbers of gulls gathering to roost along the beach at dusk. Migration may be evident offshore. Watch out for large flocks of Brent Geese heading east and sea ducks such as Common Scoter may also be on the move.

Further signs of spring this month will include the flowering of; Coltsfoot, Scurvy-grass, Early Forget-me-not, Blackthorn and, at Camber Castle, Wallflower. The flowers of Grey Willow and Alder will be out as will the Gorse.

If the weather is mild more bumblebees and butterflies such as Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock will be flying and moths such as Herald and Angleshades will be on the wing on milder nights.

Great Crested Grebe
Great Crested Grebe
Grey Willow flower
Grey Willow flower
Angle Shades © Graeme Lyons
Angle Shades © Graeme Lyons
Cormorant
Cormorant

In this section


February

February

What to see in February
 
April

April

What to see in April
 

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